Security Talk Blog

The evolution of the home network is a fascinating story. The home network started out connecting our PC/Macs and media services to the Internet and then started connecting the array of security and home monitoring devices. This constant expansion of the home network and intelligent home appliances have spawned a new field called “Intelligent Buildings.” Many architects and builders are more familiar with the term BAS (Building Automation System), although a strict definition of BAS classifies it as a subset of “Intelligent Buildings.”

An intelligent building is a network of routers, switches, computers, smart appliances, smart media devices, smart security devices, smart lighting controllers, smart water systems, and smart heating controllers. The central control system monitors and regulates the subsystems to achieve dramatic improvements in efficiency. There are numerous studies that prove the financial gains and paybacks from a properly designed intelligent home. Just because you are not building a new home and do not have the opportunity to create a unified intelligent home, you may start by first installing a proper network and then slowly adding the additional intelligent home devices. A well designed intelligent home may be remotely monitored and controlled from any Internet connection.

If this all seems like too much technology, then think back to a time when we did not have modern plumbing systems and how complex it seemed to add pipes, water heaters, ventilation, and sewage systems. At some point these technologies evolve to a point of sophistication where they are simply taken for granted. Well, we are really close to that point with intelligent homes.

Businesses like AlliedFireAndSecurity have trained technologist that can teach you how to slowly and economically start down a path towards your intelligent home. You need the advice of a real expert to help you create a unified and well-structured development plan.

Over the next few months we will continue to talk about the intelligent home and its subsystems.

Loss from retail crime is staggering.   Just shoplifting alone accounts for more than $20 billion is losses last year.   To combat these attacks on retail stores many businesses turn more and more to digital security devices to help deter this crime.    New wireless video recording cameras allow continuous monitoring of all interior and strategic exterior locations.   Also Point-Of-Sale monitoring is allowing retailers to collect and analyze information on every transaction.    When these digital surveillance devices are combined with ‘article surveillance’  devices a store can start to reduce losses from these insidious crimes.

Here are just a few of processes and devices you may use to help prevent this crime:

• Camera Systems (closed circuit television)
• Electronic Article Surveillance
• Retail Entrance Protection
• Two-way Radio Sets
• Point of Sale Monitoring
• Facial Recognition

Here is a great link that explains how some of these anti-shoplifting devices work:

http://electronics.howstuffworks.com/everyday-tech/anti-shoplifting-device.htm

We are coming to the end of summer and it is time to start thinking about securing your vacation home.    Your only options used to be the door locks, local alarm, and perhaps leaving a few lights on.   This has all changed with the introduction of low cost digital surveillance systems.   Now you can monitor your vacation home from your personal computer or smart phone.   You can remotely check the rooms, make sure the water is not leaking,  have a text/email message sent to you if there is a break in… or simply watch your home as if you were living there full time.

Not only can you gain peace of mind with a digital surveillance system, but due to new wireless options the latest generation of systems are easy and quick to install.

Here are a few recommendations of how to setup your new digital surveillance system:
1.  Place inside security cameras near doors and windows
2.  If you have valuables, monitor them with a fixed security camera
3.  Place an all weather security camera outside the house near the doors and garage

The New York Times recently ran this article about: Keeping a home secure from afar.

When you are ready to talk to an expert about your vacation home security needs, then please contact one of our security experts at Allied Fire and Security.

If you’re serious about your business’ bottom line in Seattle, digital surveillance systems offer solutions to several of the top reasons businesses lose both revenue and productivity. (more…)

The technology for Digital Video Surveillance has come a long way in the past several years. Due to the Internet, several new and exciting technologies have worked their way into the businesses and homes of many people, one of which is the great innovation of streaming digital video. The ability to install a Web camera and communicate with others on the Internet has been in place for some time, but if you take that concept even further, why not install multiple cameras in your home or business and monitor them all while you are away? (more…)